At the end of this episode, six of the twelve final finalists were finalised, finally. But after a mixed sing-off to vote on, it was by no means certain who this week's three would be. That's why we're here: to tell you who got through, and how it all went down. Live.

Another clutch of young singers with dreams of 'Merkin Idolatry sing their hearts out live with hope of getting into the final 12. But will they be better than last week's lot? Only one way to find out! (Well, there are others, but there's only one on this blog)

After what must be counted as one of history's most dreadful live rounds, on Wednesday night three finalists were chosen to go through to the final-final rounds. It seemed quite clear to all the critics and bloggers who ... but did the voting public agree?

It's the penultimate hour of open auditions and San Francisco is proving a deep, rich vein of tunelessness for the judges. Will there be any joy at all in the city by the bay? Find out as we continue our American Idol roundups...